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{{Short description|Political party in India}}
{{Short description|Political party in India}}
{{pp-extended|small=yes}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2018}}  
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2018}}  
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2018}}
{{Infobox Indian political party
{{Infobox Indian political party
|abbreviation      = MNF
|abbreviation      = MNF
|party_logo        =  
|party_logo        = Flag Of MNF.jpg
|colorcode        = {{party color|Mizo National Front}}
|colorcode        = {{party color|Mizo National Front}}
|president        = [[Zoramthanga]]
|president        = [[Zoramthanga]]
|ppchairman       =
|foundation       = {{Start date and age|1961|df=y}}
|treasurer        = K. Vanlalauva
|foundation        = 1961
|founder          = [[Laldenga]]
|founder          = [[Laldenga]]
|dissolution      =
|headquarters      = Zarkawt, [[Aizawl]], [[Mizoram]]
|headquarters      = Zarkawt, [[Aizawl]], [[Mizoram]]
|eci              = State Party<ref>{{cite web|title=List of Political Parties and Election Symbols main Notification Dated 18.01.2013|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/ElectoralLaws/OrdersNotifications/ElecSym19012013_eng.pdf|publisher=Election Commission of India|access-date=9 May 2013|location=India|year=2013}}</ref>
|eci              = State Party<ref>{{cite web|title=List of Political Parties and Election Symbols main Notification Dated 18.01.2013|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/ElectoralLaws/OrdersNotifications/ElecSym19012013_eng.pdf|publisher=Election Commission of India|access-date=9 May 2013|location=India|year=2013}}</ref>
|alliance          = [[National Democratic Alliance|NDA]] (2014–Present) (National level)
|alliance          =  
|loksabha_seats    = {{Composition bar|1|543|hex={{party color|Mizo National Front}}}}
*[[National Democratic Alliance|NDA]] (2014-2023)  
([[Lok Sabha|National level]]) (2025-Present)<br />([[Autonomous District Council|Autonomous Councils]])
*[[Indian National Congress|INC+]] (2021-2025)<br />([[Autonomous District Council|Autonomous Councils]])
|loksabha_seats    = {{Composition bar|0|543|hex={{party color|Mizo National Front}}}}
|rajyasabha_seats  = {{Composition bar|1|245|hex={{party color|Mizo National Front}}}}
|rajyasabha_seats  = {{Composition bar|1|245|hex={{party color|Mizo National Front}}}}
|ideology          =  
|ideology          = {{Nowrap|[[Mizo National Front uprising|Mizo nationalism]]<br />[[Christian right]]<ref>{{Cite web | title=You are being redirected... | url=https://nagalandpost.com/index.php/mnf-govt-in-mizoram-to-take-oath-amidst-christian-rituals/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204091215/https://nagalandpost.com/index.php/mnf-govt-in-mizoram-to-take-oath-amidst-christian-rituals/ | access-date=2025-07-13 | archive-date=2024-12-04}}</ref><br />[[Zo people#Geography|Zo Unification]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://thewire.in/politics/mizoram-ahead-of-polls-mnfs-renewed-call-for-zo-unification-creates-political-flutter| title=Mizoram-ahead of polls mnf renewed call for zo unification creates political-flutter}}</ref><br />[[Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019|Anti-CAA]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nenow.in/north-east-news/people-of-mizoram-oppose-citizenship-bill-zoramthanga-tells-modi.html|title=People of Mizoram oppose Citizenship Bill: Zoramthanga tells Modi|date=15 January 2019 }}</ref>}}
|position         =  
|Political position=[[Right-wing politics|Right-wing]]<ref>{{Cite web | title=You are being redirected... | url=https://nagalandpost.com/index.php/mnf-govt-in-mizoram-to-take-oath-amidst-christian-rituals/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204091215/https://nagalandpost.com/index.php/mnf-govt-in-mizoram-to-take-oath-amidst-christian-rituals/ | access-date=2025-07-13 | archive-date=2024-12-04}}</ref>
|publication      = ''Hruaitu Arsi''
|youth            = Mizo National Youth Front
|youth            = Mizo National Youth Front
|students          =
|women            = Mizo National Women Front
|women            = Mizo National Women Front
|labour            =
|website          = {{URL|https://mnfparty.org/}}
|peasants          =
|website          = {{URL|http://www.mnfparty.in}}
|symbol            = [[File:Election Symbol Star.svg|100px]]
|symbol            = [[File:Election Symbol Star.svg|100px]]
|party_name        = Mizo National Front
|party_name        = Mizo National Front
|international    =
|colours          = {{Color box|{{party color|Mizo National Front}}}}
|colours          = [[Blue]]
|state_seats_name  = [[Mizoram Legislative Assembly]]
|state_seats_name  = [[Mizoram Legislative Assembly]]
|state_seats      = {{Composition bar|27|40|hex={{party color|Mizo National Front}}}}
|state_seats      = {{Composition bar|10|40|hex={{party color|Mizo National Front}}}}
|loksabha_leader=[[C. Lalrosanga]]|rajyasabha_leader=[[K. Vanlalvena]]}}
|rajyasabha_leader = [[K. Vanlalvena]]
}}


The '''Mizo National Front''' ({{small|[[Abbreviation|abbr.]]}} '''MNF''') is a regional [[political party]] in [[Mizoram]], [[India]]. MNF emerged from the '''Mizo National Famine Front''', which was formed by [[Pu Laldenga]] to protest against the inaction of the Indian central government towards the famine situation in the [[Mizo people|Mizo]] areas of the [[Assam]] state in 1959. It staged a [[March 1966 Mizo National Front uprising|major uprising]] in 1966, followed by years of underground activities. In 1986, it signed the [[Mizoram Accord, 1986|Mizoram Accord]] with the Government of India, renouncing secession and violence. The MNF then began contesting elections and has formed state government in Mizoram three times. It is currently the state's ruling party, with its president, [[Zoramthanga]], as the [[Chief Minister of Mizoram]].<ref name="The Hindu Net Desk">{{Cite news|author=The Hindu Net Desk|date=2018-12-15|title=Who is Zoramthanga, the newly elected CM of Mizoram|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/elections/mizoram-assembly-elections-2018/who-is-zoramthanga-the-newly-elected-cm-of-mizoram/article25751510.ece|access-date=2021-10-12|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
The '''Mizo National Front''' ({{small|[[Abbreviation|abbr.]]}} '''MNF''') is a regional [[political party]] in [[Mizoram]], [[India]]. MNF emerged from the '''Mizo National Famine Front''', which was formed by [[Pu Laldenga]] to protest against the inaction of the [[Government of India]] towards the [[Mautam#1959 mautam famine|1959 famine]] in the [[Mizo people|Mizo]] areas of the [[Assam]] state. It staged a [[March 1966 Mizo National Front uprising|major uprising]] in 1966, followed by years of underground activities. In 1986, it signed the [[Mizoram Accord, 1986|Mizoram Accord]] with the Government of India, renouncing secession and violence. The MNF then began contesting elections and has formed state government in Mizoram three times. It is currently the state's opposition party, with its president, [[Zoramthanga]], as the Former [[Chief Minister of Mizoram]].<ref name="The Hindu Net Desk">{{Cite news|author=The Hindu Net Desk|date=2018-12-15|title=Who is Zoramthanga, the newly elected CM of Mizoram|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/elections/mizoram-assembly-elections-2018/who-is-zoramthanga-the-newly-elected-cm-of-mizoram/article25751510.ece|access-date=2021-10-12|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>


==Origin==
==Origin==
In 1959, the Mizo Hills were devastated by the [[Mautam]], a cyclic phenomenon where the flowering of bamboo plants result in a plague of crop-eating rats, in turn causing a famine.<ref>{{Citation|last=Das Gupta|first=Malabika|title=Hunger, Governance Failure and Its Outcome: An Analysis of the Historical Experience of the Mizo Hills District of Undivided Assam|date=2017|url=http://link.springer.com/10.1007/978-981-10-6274-2_18|work=Inequality, Poverty and Development in India|pages=351–362|editor-last=De|editor-first=Utpal Kumar|place=Singapore|publisher=Springer Singapore|doi=10.1007/978-981-10-6274-2_18|isbn=978-981-10-6273-5|access-date=2021-10-12|editor2-last=Pal|editor2-first=Manoranjan|editor3-last=Bharati|editor3-first=Premananda}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Nag|first=Sajal|date=2001|title=Tribals, Rats, Famine, State and the Nation|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/4410428|journal=Economic and Political Weekly|volume=36|issue=12|pages=1029–1033}}</ref>
In 1958, the Mizo Hills were devastated by the [[Mautam]], a cyclic phenomenon where the flowering of bamboo plants result in a plague of crop-eating rats, in turn causing a famine.<ref>{{Citation|last=Das Gupta|first=Malabika|title=Hunger, Governance Failure and Its Outcome: An Analysis of the Historical Experience of the Mizo Hills District of Undivided Assam|date=2017|url=http://link.springer.com/10.1007/978-981-10-6274-2_18|work=Inequality, Poverty and Development in India|series=India Studies in Business and Economics |pages=351–362|editor-last=De|editor-first=Utpal Kumar|place=Singapore|publisher=Springer Singapore|doi=10.1007/978-981-10-6274-2_18|isbn=978-981-10-6273-5|access-date=2021-10-12|editor2-last=Pal|editor2-first=Manoranjan|editor3-last=Bharati|editor3-first=Premananda|url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Nag|first=Sajal|date=2001|title=Tribals, Rats, Famine, State and the Nation|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/4410428|journal=Economic and Political Weekly|volume=36|issue=12|pages=1029–1033|jstor=4410428 }}</ref>


Earlier in 1955, Mizo Cultural Society was formed, with Laldenga as its secretary. In March 1960, the name of the Mizo Cultural Society was changed to 'Mautam Front'.<ref>{{Citation|last=Sati|first=Vishwambhar Prasad|title=Geostrategic Location, Political History and Development|date=2017|url=http://link.springer.com/10.1007/978-3-319-45623-2_3|work=A Sustainable Livelihood Approach to Poverty Reduction|pages=31–33|place=Cham|publisher=Springer International Publishing|doi=10.1007/978-3-319-45623-2_3|isbn=978-3-319-45622-5|access-date=2021-10-12|last2=Vangchhia|first2=Lalrinpuia}}</ref> During the famine of 1959–1960, this society took lead in demanding relief and attracted the attention of all sections of the people. In September 1960, the Society adopted the name Mizo National Famine Front (MNFF).<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-12-11|title=What is the Mizo National Front?|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/what-is/mizo-national-front-mnf-mizoram-results-5488114/|access-date=2021-10-12|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite journal|last=Dommen|first=Arthur J.|date=1967|title=Separatist Tendencies in Eastern India|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/2642421|journal=Asian Survey|volume=7|issue=10|pages=726–739|doi=10.2307/2642421|issn=0004-4687}}</ref> The MNFF gained considerable popularity as a large number of Mizo Youth assisted in transporting rice and other essential commodities to interior villages.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Goswami|first=Namrata|date=2009|title=The Indian Experience of Conflict Resolution in Mizoram|url=http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09700160902907118|journal=Strategic Analysis|language=en|volume=33|issue=4|pages=579–589|doi=10.1080/09700160902907118}}</ref>
Earlier in 1955, Mizo Cultural Society was formed, with Laldenga as its secretary. In March 1960, the name of the Mizo Cultural Society was changed to 'Mautam Front'.<ref>{{Citation|last1=Sati|first1=Vishwambhar Prasad|title=Geostrategic Location, Political History and Development|date=2017|url=http://link.springer.com/10.1007/978-3-319-45623-2_3|work=A Sustainable Livelihood Approach to Poverty Reduction|pages=31–33|place=Cham|publisher=Springer International Publishing|doi=10.1007/978-3-319-45623-2_3|isbn=978-3-319-45622-5|access-date=2021-10-12|last2=Vangchhia|first2=Lalrinpuia|series=SpringerBriefs in Environmental Science |url-access=subscription}}</ref> During the famine of 1959–1960, this society took lead in demanding relief and attracted the attention of all sections of the people. In September 1960, the Society adopted the name Mizo National Famine Front (MNFF).<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-12-11|title=What is the Mizo National Front?|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/what-is/mizo-national-front-mnf-mizoram-results-5488114/|access-date=2021-10-12|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite journal|last=Dommen|first=Arthur J.|date=1967|title=Separatist Tendencies in Eastern India|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/2642421|journal=Asian Survey|volume=7|issue=10|pages=726–739|doi=10.2307/2642421|jstor=2642421 |issn=0004-4687|url-access=subscription}}</ref> The MNFF gained considerable popularity as a large number of Mizo Youth assisted in transporting rice and other essential commodities to interior villages.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Goswami|first=Namrata|date=2009|title=The Indian Experience of Conflict Resolution in Mizoram|url=http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09700160902907118|journal=Strategic Analysis|language=en|volume=33|issue=4|pages=579–589|doi=10.1080/09700160902907118|s2cid=154851791 |url-access=subscription}}</ref>


==Underground movement==
==Underground movement==
{{Main|Mizo National Front uprising}}
{{Main|Mizo National Front uprising}}
The MNFF, which was originally formed to help ease the immense sufferings of the people during the severe Mautam Famine in Mizoram, was converted into Mizo National Front (MNF) on 22 October 1961.<ref name="goswami2">{{cite journal|last1=Goswami|first1=Namrata|date=2009|title=The Indian Experience of Conflict Resolution in Mizoram|journal=Strategic Analysis|volume=33|issue=4|pages=579–589|doi=10.1080/09700160902907118|s2cid=154851791}}</ref> The first OB leaders elected were, President Laldenga, Vice President JF Manliana, General Secy. R. Vanlawma, and Treasurer Rochhinga and the ways in which the Indian authority of the day handled the famine left the people disillusioned. The wave of secessionist and armed insurrection was running high among the Mizos. In 1966, MNF led [[March 1966 Mizo National Front uprising|a major uprising]] against the government, but failed to gain administrative control of the Mizo district.<ref name=":0" /> The secessionist movement held on for about two decades. During that time, they invaded [[Burma]] claiming [[Chin State]] and [[Tahan]] belong to Mizoram since most of the resident in Tahan are Mizo.<ref name="nunthara">{{cite journal|last1=Nunthara|first1=C.|date=1981|title=Grouping of Villages in Mizoram: Its Social and Economic Impact|journal=Economic and Political Weekly|volume=16|issue=30|pages=1237, 1239–1240|jstor=4370043}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last1=Dewen|first1=L.J.M.|date=2009|title=The Mizo People: Problems and Future|url=http://en.cnki.com.cn/Article_en/CJFDTotal-NYYZ200904005.htm|journal=South Asian Studies Quarterly|volume=4|page=5}}</ref>
The MNFF, which was originally formed to help ease the immense sufferings of the people during the severe Mautam Famine in Mizoram, was converted into Mizo National Front (MNF) on 22 October 1961.<ref name="goswami2">{{cite journal|last1=Goswami|first1=Namrata|date=2009|title=The Indian Experience of Conflict Resolution in Mizoram|journal=Strategic Analysis|volume=33|issue=4|pages=579–589|doi=10.1080/09700160902907118|s2cid=154851791}}</ref> The first OB leaders elected were, President [[Laldenga]], Vice President JF Manliana, General Secy. R. Vanlawma, and Treasurer Rochhinga and the ways in which the Indian authority of the day handled the famine left the people disillusioned. The wave of secessionist and armed insurrection was running high among the Mizos. In 1966, MNF led [[March 1966 Mizo National Front uprising|a major uprising]] against the government, but failed to gain administrative control of the Mizo district.<ref name=":0" /> The secessionist movement held on for about two decades. During that time, they invaded [[Burma]] claiming [[Chin State]] and [[Tahan]] belong to Mizoram since most of the resident in Tahan are Mizo.<ref name="nunthara">{{cite journal|last1=Nunthara|first1=C.|date=1981|title=Grouping of Villages in Mizoram: Its Social and Economic Impact|journal=Economic and Political Weekly|volume=16|issue=30|pages=1237, 1239–1240|jstor=4370043}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last1=Dewen|first1=L.J.M.|date=2009|title=The Mizo People: Problems and Future|url=http://en.cnki.com.cn/Article_en/CJFDTotal-NYYZ200904005.htm|journal=South Asian Studies Quarterly|volume=4|page=5|access-date=12 October 2021|archive-date=22 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022222905/http://en.cnki.com.cn/Article_en/CJFDTotal-NYYZ200904005.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>


===Peace settlement===
===Peace settlement===
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==Political party==
==Political party==
[[File:Zoramthanga in 2008.jpg|thumb|200px|Party president Zoramthanga]]
In [[1989 Mizoram Legislative Assembly election|the resulting election]], the Congress won, and the MNF would be in opposition until 1998. In 1990, Laldenga died, and was replaced by his former secretary and Finance Minister, [[Zoramthanga]]. In 1998 and 2003 MNF won the state assembly elections, and Zoramthanga was chief minister for 10 years.<ref name="anisha">{{cite news|last=Anisha|date=11 November 2013|title=Mizoram assembly polls 2013: A brief profile on Pu Zoramthanga|newspaper=One India News|url=https://www.oneindia.com/india/mizoram-assembly-polls-2013-brief-profile-on-pu-zoramthanga-1339392.html|access-date=20 January 2014}}</ref> In the 2003 elections MNF won 21 out of 40 seats in the state assembly, and got 132 505 votes (31.66%).<ref name="zee2">{{cite news|last=Neha Attre|date=9 November 2013|title=Mizoram CM candidate profile - Pu Zoramthanga|newspaper=Zee News|url=http://zeenews.india.com/assembly-elections-2013/mizoram-polls/mizoram-cm-candidate-profile-pu-zoramthanga_888811.html|access-date=20 January 2014}}</ref> The party was routed by the Congress in the [[2008 Mizoram Legislative Assembly election|2008 state election]], winning just 3 seats.<ref>{{cite web|title=2008 Elections Results|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/StatisticalReports/AE2008/Stats_report_MZ2008.pdf|publisher=ECI|access-date=21 May 2013}}</ref> It contested the 2013 state elections in alliance with the [[Mizoram People's Conference]], and won 5 seats to the Congress's 34.<ref name="The Hindu Net Desk"/> In [[2018 Mizoram Legislative Assembly election|the 2018 state assembly elections]], the MNF won 26 seats and returned to government.<ref>{{cite news|title=MNF sweeps Mizoram, northeast now 'Congress-mukt'|website=[[The Times of India]] |date=12 December 2018 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/mnf-sweeps-mizoram-north-east-now-congress-mukt/articleshow/67053567.cms}}</ref> The party lost power to the [[Zoram People's Movement]] during [[2023 Mizoram Legislative Assembly election|the 2023 state assembly elections]].
After the [[1987 Mizoram Legislative Assembly election]], Laldenga became Chief Minister, but soon lost power due to defections in the party.<ref name="goswami2"/> In [[1989 Mizoram Legislative Assembly election|the resulting election]], the Congress won, and the MNF would be in opposition until 1998. In 1990, Laldenga died, and was replaced by his former secretary and Finance Minister, [[Zoramthanga]]. In 1998 and 2003 MNF won the state assembly elections, and Zoramthanga was chief minister for 10 years.<ref name="anisha">{{cite news|last=Anisha|date=11 November 2013|title=Mizoram assembly polls 2013: A brief profile on Pu Zoramthanga|newspaper=One India News|url=http://news.oneindia.in/india/mizoram-assembly-polls-2013-brief-profile-on-pu-zoramthanga-1339392.html|access-date=20 January 2014}}</ref> In the 2003 elections MNF won 21 out of 40 seats in the state assembly, and got 132 505 votes (31.66%).<ref name="zee2">{{cite news|last=Neha Attre|date=9 November 2013|title=Mizoram CM candidate profile - Pu Zoramthanga|newspaper=Zee News|url=http://zeenews.india.com/assembly-elections-2013/mizoram-polls/mizoram-cm-candidate-profile-pu-zoramthanga_888811.html|access-date=20 January 2014}}</ref> The party was routed by the Congress in the [[2008 Mizoram Legislative Assembly election|2008 state election]], winning just 3 seats.<ref>{{cite web|title=2008 Elections Results|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/StatisticalReports/AE2008/Stats_report_MZ2008.pdf|publisher=ECI|access-date=21 May 2013}}</ref> It contested the 2013 state elections in alliance with the [[Mizoram People's Conference]], and won 5 seats to the Congress's 34.<ref name="The Hindu Net Desk"/> In [[2018 Mizoram Legislative Assembly election|the 2018 state assembly elections]], the MNF won 26 seats and returned to government.<ref>{{cite web|title=MNF sweeps Mizoram, northeast now ‘Congress-mukt’|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/mnf-sweeps-mizoram-north-east-now-congress-mukt/articleshow/67053567.cms}}</ref>


==Role in the national elections==
==Role in the national elections==
For the [[2014 Lok Sabha elections]], it formed an alliance called United Democratic Front with seven other parties including BJP, to contest the only seat in Mizoram.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/regional-india/triangular-contest-for-lone-mizoram-seat/|title=Triangular contest for lone Mizoram seat|date=2014-03-18|newspaper=Indian Express}}</ref> The MNF has been part of the [[National Democratic Alliance (India)|National Democratic Alliance]] since 2014.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Kumar|first=Devesh|date=2014-05-20|title=BJP + 29 Parties = National Democratic Alliance|url=https://www.ndtv.com/elections-news/bjp-29-parties-national-democratic-alliance-562972|url-status=live|access-date=2021-10-12|website=NDTV}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-07-30|title=BJP-led northeast alliance stays off border row {{!}} India News - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/bjp-led-northeast-alliance-stays-off-border-row/articleshow/84875804.cms|url-status=live|access-date=2021-10-12|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref>
For the [[2014 Lok Sabha elections]], it formed an alliance called United Democratic Front with seven other parties including BJP, to contest the only seat in Mizoram.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/regional-india/triangular-contest-for-lone-mizoram-seat/|title=Triangular contest for lone Mizoram seat|date=2014-03-18|newspaper=Indian Express}}</ref> The MNF has been part of the [[National Democratic Alliance (India)|National Democratic Alliance]] since 2014<ref>{{Cite web|last=Kumar|first=Devesh|date=2014-05-20|title=BJP + 29 Parties = National Democratic Alliance|url=https://www.ndtv.com/elections-news/bjp-29-parties-national-democratic-alliance-562972|access-date=2021-10-12|website=NDTV}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-07-30|title=BJP-led northeast alliance stays off border row {{!}} India News – The Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/bjp-led-northeast-alliance-stays-off-border-row/articleshow/84875804.cms|access-date=2021-10-12|website=timesofindia.indiatimes.com|language=en}}</ref>


== Election results ==
== Election results ==
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|- style="text-align:center;"
|- style="text-align:center;"
! [[1987 Mizoram Legislative Assembly election|1987]]
! [[1987 Mizoram Legislative Assembly election|1987]]
|[[Laldenga]]
| rowspan="2" |[[Laldenga]]
|{{Composition bar|24|40|{{party color|Mizo National Front}}}}
|{{Composition bar|24|40|{{party color|Mizo National Front}}}}
| {{increase}} 24
| {{increase}} 24
|
| 43.31%
|
| New
| {{yes2|Government}}
| {{yes2|Government}}
|- style="text-align:center;"
|- style="text-align:center;"
! [[1989 Mizoram Legislative Assembly election|1989]]
! [[1989 Mizoram Legislative Assembly election|1989]]
|[[Laldenga]]
|{{Composition bar|14|40|{{party color|Mizo National Front}}}}
|{{Composition bar|14|40|{{party color|Mizo National Front}}}}
| {{decrease}} 10
| {{decrease}} 10
| 35.29%
| 35.29%
|
| {{decrease}}  8.02%
| {{no2|Opposition}}
| {{no2|Opposition}}
|- style="text-align:center;"
|- style="text-align:center;"
! [[1993 Mizoram Legislative Assembly election|1993]]
! [[1993 Mizoram Legislative Assembly election|1993]]
|[[Zoramthanga]]
| rowspan="7" |[[Zoramthanga]]
|{{Composition bar|14|40|{{party color|Mizo National Front}}}}
|{{Composition bar|14|40|{{party color|Mizo National Front}}}}
| {{steady}}
| {{steady}}
Line 92: Line 87:
|- style="text-align:center;"
|- style="text-align:center;"
! [[1998 Mizoram Legislative Assembly election|1998]]
! [[1998 Mizoram Legislative Assembly election|1998]]
|[[Zoramthanga]]
|{{Composition bar|21|40|{{party color|Mizo National Front}}}}
|{{Composition bar|21|40|{{party color|Mizo National Front}}}}
| {{increase}} 7
| {{increase}} 7
Line 100: Line 94:
|- style="text-align:center;"
|- style="text-align:center;"
! [[2003 Mizoram Legislative Assembly election|2003]]
! [[2003 Mizoram Legislative Assembly election|2003]]
|[[Zoramthanga]]
|{{Composition bar|21|40|{{party color|Mizo National Front}}}}
|{{Composition bar|21|40|{{party color|Mizo National Front}}}}
| {{steady}}
| {{steady}}
Line 108: Line 101:
|- style="text-align:center;"
|- style="text-align:center;"
! [[2008 Mizoram Legislative Assembly election|2008]]
! [[2008 Mizoram Legislative Assembly election|2008]]
|[[Zoramthanga]]
|{{Composition bar|3|40|{{party color|Mizo National Front}}}}
|{{Composition bar|3|40|{{party color|Mizo National Front}}}}
| {{decrease}} 18
| {{decrease}} 18
Line 116: Line 108:
|- style="text-align:center;"
|- style="text-align:center;"
! [[2013 Mizoram Legislative Assembly election|2013]]
! [[2013 Mizoram Legislative Assembly election|2013]]
|[[Zoramthanga]]
|{{Composition bar|5|40|{{party color|Mizo National Front}}}}
|{{Composition bar|5|40|{{party color|Mizo National Front}}}}
| {{increase}} 2
| {{increase}} 2
Line 124: Line 115:
|- style="text-align:center;"
|- style="text-align:center;"
! [[2018 Mizoram Legislative Assembly election|2018]]
! [[2018 Mizoram Legislative Assembly election|2018]]
|[[Zoramthanga]]
|{{Composition bar|26|40|{{party color|Mizo National Front}}}}
|{{Composition bar|26|40|{{party color|Mizo National Front}}}}
| {{increase}} 21
| {{increase}} 21
Line 130: Line 120:
| {{increase}} 9.05%
| {{increase}} 9.05%
| {{yes2|Government}}
| {{yes2|Government}}
|- style="text-align:center;"
! [[2023 Mizoram Legislative Assembly election|2023]]
|{{Composition bar|10|40|{{party color|Mizo National Front}}}}
| {{decrease}} 16
| 35.10%
| {{decrease}} 2.6%
| {{no2|Opposition}}
|}
|}


== List of Chief Ministers ==
== List of Chief Ministers ==
[[File:The Chief Minister, Mizoram, Shri Zoramthanga calls on the Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss to discuss various issues related to Health in the State, in New Delhi on September 08, 2006 (cropped).jpg|thumb|200px|{{small|Zoramthanga, Party President and former Chief Minister of Mizoram.}}]]
{{main|List of chief ministers of Mizoram}}
{{main|List of chief ministers of Mizoram}}
{| class="wikitable"
 
!Name
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;"
!Tenure
|+ List of Chief Ministers of Mizoram
!Length
! style="background-color:#70A548;color:white;"|Name
! style="background-color:#70A548;color:white;"|Tenure
! style="background-color:#70A548;color:white;"|Length
|-
|-
|[[Laldenga]]
| [[Laldenga]]
|21 August 1986 – 7 September 1988
| 21 August 1986 – 7 September 1988
|2 years, 17 days
| {{age in years and days|1986|8|21|1988|9|7}}
|-
|-
| rowspan=3|[[Zoramthanga]]
| rowspan=3|[[Zoramthanga]]
|3 December 1998 – 4 December 2003
| 3 December 1998 – 4 December 2003
| rowspan=3|{{ayd|7 December 2008}}
| rowspan=3|15 years, 0 days
|-
|-
|4 December 2003 – 11 December 2008
| 4 December 2003 – 11 December 2008
|-
|-
|15 December 2018 – present
| 15 December 2018 – 5 December 2023
|}
|}


==Current party officers==
== Current Party Officers ==
[[File:Mizo National Front Office.JPG|200px|thumb|MNF Office]]
[[File:Mizo National Front Office.JPG|200px|thumb|MNF Office]]
As of the latest party election in 2019, the Officers are:<ref>{{Cite news|agency=Press Trust of India|date=2019-11-28|title=Mizoram CM elected unopposed as MNF president|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/mizoram-cm-elected-unopposed-as-mnf-president-119112801102_1.html|access-date=2021-10-12}}</ref>
 
* President: Zoramthanga
As of the latest party election in 2019, the officers are:<ref>{{Cite news|agency=Press Trust of India|date=2019-11-28|title=Mizoram CM elected unopposed as MNF president|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/mizoram-cm-elected-unopposed-as-mnf-president-119112801102_1.html|access-date=2021-10-12}}</ref>
* Senior Vice President: [[Tawnluia]]
 
* Vice Presidents: [[Vanlalzawma]] and Lalthlengliana
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;"
* Treasurer: K. Vanlalauva
|+ Current Party Officers
! style="background-color:#70A548;color:white;"|Position
! style="background-color:#70A548;color:white;"|Officer
|-
| President
| [[Zoramthanga]]
|-
| Senior Vice President
| [[Tawnluia]]
|-
| Vice Presidents
| [[Vanlalzawma]] and [[Lalthlengliana]]
|-
| Treasurer
| K. Vanlalauva
|}


==See also==
==See also==
Line 166: Line 181:
* [[Indian National Congress]]
* [[Indian National Congress]]
* [[Political parties in Mizoram]]
* [[Political parties in Mizoram]]
* [[List of political parties in India]]


==References==
==References==
Line 172: Line 188:
==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/states/mizoram/documents/papers/mizoram_accord_1986.htm Peace Accord 1986]
* [http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/states/mizoram/documents/papers/mizoram_accord_1986.htm Peace Accord 1986]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20040806232658/http://www.mizoram.nic.in/mp.htm MPs of Mizoram]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20040806232658/http://www.mizoram.nic.in/mp.htm MPs of Mizoram] (archived 6 August 2004)
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTfJgMRyMAE Mizo National Front campaign song recorded 1993]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTfJgMRyMAE Mizo National Front campaign song recorded 1993] (video on [[YouTube]])


{{Mizoram}}
{{Mizoram}}
Line 183: Line 199:
[[Category:Political parties in Mizoram]]
[[Category:Political parties in Mizoram]]
[[Category:Political parties established in 1961]]
[[Category:Political parties established in 1961]]
[[Category:1961 establishments in Assam]]
[[Category:1961 establishments in Assam]][[Category:Former member parties of the National Democratic Alliance]]

Latest revision as of 13:10, 15 February 2026



Mizo National Front
AbbreviationMNF
PresidentZoramthanga
Rajya Sabha leaderK. Vanlalvena
FounderLaldenga
Founded1961; 65 years ago (1961)
HeadquartersZarkawt, Aizawl, Mizoram
Youth wingMizo National Youth Front
Women's wingMizo National Women Front
IdeologyMizo nationalism
Christian right[1]
Zo Unification[2]
Anti-CAA[3]
Political positionRight-wing[4]
Colours 
ECI StatusState Party[5]
Alliance
  • NDA (2014-2023)

(National level) (2025-Present)
(Autonomous Councils)

Seats in Lok Sabha
0 / 543
Seats in Rajya Sabha
1 / 245
Seats in Mizoram Legislative Assembly
10 / 40
Election symbol
Website
mnfparty.org

The Mizo National Front (abbr. MNF) is a regional political party in Mizoram, India. MNF emerged from the Mizo National Famine Front, which was formed by Pu Laldenga to protest against the inaction of the Government of India towards the 1959 famine in the Mizo areas of the Assam state. It staged a major uprising in 1966, followed by years of underground activities. In 1986, it signed the Mizoram Accord with the Government of India, renouncing secession and violence. The MNF then began contesting elections and has formed state government in Mizoram three times. It is currently the state's opposition party, with its president, Zoramthanga, as the Former Chief Minister of Mizoram.[6]

Origin[edit | edit source]

In 1958, the Mizo Hills were devastated by the Mautam, a cyclic phenomenon where the flowering of bamboo plants result in a plague of crop-eating rats, in turn causing a famine.[7][8]

Earlier in 1955, Mizo Cultural Society was formed, with Laldenga as its secretary. In March 1960, the name of the Mizo Cultural Society was changed to 'Mautam Front'.[9] During the famine of 1959–1960, this society took lead in demanding relief and attracted the attention of all sections of the people. In September 1960, the Society adopted the name Mizo National Famine Front (MNFF).[10][11] The MNFF gained considerable popularity as a large number of Mizo Youth assisted in transporting rice and other essential commodities to interior villages.[12]

Underground movement[edit | edit source]

Main article: Mizo National Front uprising

The MNFF, which was originally formed to help ease the immense sufferings of the people during the severe Mautam Famine in Mizoram, was converted into Mizo National Front (MNF) on 22 October 1961.[13] The first OB leaders elected were, President Laldenga, Vice President JF Manliana, General Secy. R. Vanlawma, and Treasurer Rochhinga and the ways in which the Indian authority of the day handled the famine left the people disillusioned. The wave of secessionist and armed insurrection was running high among the Mizos. In 1966, MNF led a major uprising against the government, but failed to gain administrative control of the Mizo district.[11] The secessionist movement held on for about two decades. During that time, they invaded Burma claiming Chin State and Tahan belong to Mizoram since most of the resident in Tahan are Mizo.[14][15]

Peace settlement[edit | edit source]

Main article: Mizoram Accord, 1986

This chapter of insurgency finally came to a close with the signing of the Mizoram Accord on 30 June 1986 between the underground government of the Mizo National Front and the Government of India. Under the terms of the peace accord, Mizoram was granted statehood in February 1987.[16]

Political party[edit | edit source]

In the resulting election, the Congress won, and the MNF would be in opposition until 1998. In 1990, Laldenga died, and was replaced by his former secretary and Finance Minister, Zoramthanga. In 1998 and 2003 MNF won the state assembly elections, and Zoramthanga was chief minister for 10 years.[17] In the 2003 elections MNF won 21 out of 40 seats in the state assembly, and got 132 505 votes (31.66%).[18] The party was routed by the Congress in the 2008 state election, winning just 3 seats.[19] It contested the 2013 state elections in alliance with the Mizoram People's Conference, and won 5 seats to the Congress's 34.[6] In the 2018 state assembly elections, the MNF won 26 seats and returned to government.[20] The party lost power to the Zoram People's Movement during the 2023 state assembly elections.

Role in the national elections[edit | edit source]

For the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, it formed an alliance called United Democratic Front with seven other parties including BJP, to contest the only seat in Mizoram.[21] The MNF has been part of the National Democratic Alliance since 2014[22][23]

Election results[edit | edit source]

Mizoram Legislative Assembly[edit | edit source]

Year Party leader Seats won Change in seats Vote % Vote swing Outcome
1987 Laldenga
24 / 40
 Increase 24 43.31% New Government
1989
14 / 40
 Decrease 10 35.29% Decrease 8.02% Opposition
1993 Zoramthanga
14 / 40
 Steady 40.41% Increase 5.12% Opposition
1998
21 / 40
 Increase 7 24.99% Decrease 15.42% Government
2003
21 / 40
 Steady 31.69% Increase 6.70% Government
2008
3 / 40
 Decrease 18 30.65% Decrease 1.04% Others
2013
5 / 40
 Increase 2 28.65% Decrease 2.00% Opposition
2018
26 / 40
 Increase 21 37.70% Increase 9.05% Government
2023
10 / 40
 Decrease 16 35.10% Decrease 2.6% Opposition

List of Chief Ministers[edit | edit source]

Zoramthanga, Party President and former Chief Minister of Mizoram.
Main article: List of chief ministers of Mizoram
List of Chief Ministers of Mizoram
Name Tenure Length
Laldenga 21 August 1986 – 7 September 1988 2 years, 17 days
Zoramthanga 3 December 1998 – 4 December 2003 15 years, 0 days
4 December 2003 – 11 December 2008
15 December 2018 – 5 December 2023

Current Party Officers[edit | edit source]

MNF Office

As of the latest party election in 2019, the officers are:[24]

Current Party Officers
Position Officer
President Zoramthanga
Senior Vice President Tawnluia
Vice Presidents Vanlalzawma and Lalthlengliana
Treasurer K. Vanlalauva

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "You are being redirected..." Archived from the original on 4 December 2024. Retrieved 13 July 2025.
  2. ↑ "Mizoram-ahead of polls mnf renewed call for zo unification creates political-flutter".
  3. ↑ "People of Mizoram oppose Citizenship Bill: Zoramthanga tells Modi". 15 January 2019.
  4. ↑ "You are being redirected..." Archived from the original on 4 December 2024. Retrieved 13 July 2025.
  5. ↑ "List of Political Parties and Election Symbols main Notification Dated 18.01.2013" (PDF). India: Election Commission of India. 2013. Retrieved 9 May 2013.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 The Hindu Net Desk (15 December 2018). "Who is Zoramthanga, the newly elected CM of Mizoram". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 12 October 2021.
  7. ↑ Das Gupta, Malabika (2017), De, Utpal Kumar; Pal, Manoranjan; Bharati, Premananda (eds.), "Hunger, Governance Failure and Its Outcome: An Analysis of the Historical Experience of the Mizo Hills District of Undivided Assam", Inequality, Poverty and Development in India, India Studies in Business and Economics, Singapore: Springer Singapore, pp. 351–362, doi:10.1007/978-981-10-6274-2_18, ISBN 978-981-10-6273-5, retrieved 12 October 2021{{citation}}: CS1 maint: work parameter with ISBN (link)
  8. ↑ Nag, Sajal (2001). "Tribals, Rats, Famine, State and the Nation". Economic and Political Weekly. 36 (12): 1029–1033. JSTOR 4410428.
  9. ↑ Sati, Vishwambhar Prasad; Vangchhia, Lalrinpuia (2017), "Geostrategic Location, Political History and Development", A Sustainable Livelihood Approach to Poverty Reduction, SpringerBriefs in Environmental Science, Cham: Springer International Publishing, pp. 31–33, doi:10.1007/978-3-319-45623-2_3, ISBN 978-3-319-45622-5, retrieved 12 October 2021{{citation}}: CS1 maint: work parameter with ISBN (link)
  10. ↑ "What is the Mizo National Front?". The Indian Express. 11 December 2018. Retrieved 12 October 2021.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Dommen, Arthur J. (1967). "Separatist Tendencies in Eastern India". Asian Survey. 7 (10): 726–739. doi:10.2307/2642421. ISSN 0004-4687. JSTOR 2642421.
  12. ↑ Goswami, Namrata (2009). "The Indian Experience of Conflict Resolution in Mizoram". Strategic Analysis. 33 (4): 579–589. doi:10.1080/09700160902907118. S2CID 154851791.
  13. ↑ Goswami, Namrata (2009). "The Indian Experience of Conflict Resolution in Mizoram". Strategic Analysis. 33 (4): 579–589. doi:10.1080/09700160902907118. S2CID 154851791.
  14. ↑ Nunthara, C. (1981). "Grouping of Villages in Mizoram: Its Social and Economic Impact". Economic and Political Weekly. 16 (30): 1237, 1239–1240. JSTOR 4370043.
  15. ↑ Dewen, L.J.M. (2009). "The Mizo People: Problems and Future". South Asian Studies Quarterly. 4: 5. Archived from the original on 22 October 2021. Retrieved 12 October 2021.
  16. ↑ Sharma, S.K. (2016). "Lessons from Mizoram Insurgency and Peace Accord 1986" (PDF). www.vifindia.org. Vivekananda International Foundation. Retrieved 24 December 2018.
  17. ↑ Anisha (11 November 2013). "Mizoram assembly polls 2013: A brief profile on Pu Zoramthanga". One India News. Retrieved 20 January 2014.
  18. ↑ Neha Attre (9 November 2013). "Mizoram CM candidate profile - Pu Zoramthanga". Zee News. Retrieved 20 January 2014.
  19. ↑ "2008 Elections Results" (PDF). ECI. Retrieved 21 May 2013.
  20. ↑ "MNF sweeps Mizoram, northeast now 'Congress-mukt'". The Times of India. 12 December 2018.
  21. ↑ "Triangular contest for lone Mizoram seat". Indian Express. 18 March 2014.
  22. ↑ Kumar, Devesh (20 May 2014). "BJP + 29 Parties = National Democratic Alliance". NDTV. Retrieved 12 October 2021.
  23. ↑ "BJP-led northeast alliance stays off border row | India News – The Times of India". timesofindia.indiatimes.com. 30 July 2021. Retrieved 12 October 2021.
  24. ↑ "Mizoram CM elected unopposed as MNF president". Business Standard India. Press Trust of India. 28 November 2019. Retrieved 12 October 2021.

External links[edit | edit source]

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